Although its intent was to protect wildlife, few wild animals can be viewed there. During the tumultuous period as the Derg regime was coming to a close, large numbers of nomads took advantage of weakened central authority to move into the Park and set up residence with their livestock. Park personnel reported in 2005 that these nomads had some 15,000 cattle in the restricted confines of the Park. One nyala and several ostriches were kept in a fenced enclosure near the gate house, but outside of this enclosure no grass longer than an inch was observed. There were, nevertheless, quite a few bird species in evidence. Park personnel said the national government was working on a plan to resettle the nomads somewhere outside the park, but this plan seemed rather indefinite. Besides the two lakes, the primary attraction of this national park are a number of hot springs on the northeast corner of Lake Abijatta, and large numbers of flamingoes on the lake. Care must be exercised in driving vehicles out to the edge of this lake, as the thin crust of dried mud on the surface can give way without warning.

2. Awash National Park

Awash National Park is one of the National Parks of Ethiopia. Located at the southern tip of the Afar Region, this park is 225 kilometers east of Addis Ababa (and a few kilometers west of Awash), with its southern boundary along the Awash River, and covers at least 756 square kilometers of acacia woodland and grassland. The Addis Ababa – Dire Dawa highway passes through this park, separating the Illala Saha Plains to the south from the Kudu Valley to the north.

The Awash National Park was established in 1966, although the act authorizing its existence was not completely passed for another three years. Wildlife in this park include the East African Oryx, Soemmerring’s Gazelle, Dik-dik, and the lesser and greater Kudus, as well as over 350 species of native birds. In the upper Kudu Valley at Filwoha are hot springs amid groves of palm trees.

The Mago National Park was established in 1979, making it the newest of Ethiopia’s several National Parks. Its territory embraces savanna, acacia forest, and the Neri Swamp. Its highest point is Mount Mago. The park’s perhaps best known attraction are the Mursi people, who inhabit villages along the Omo, known for piercing their lips and inserting disks made of clay.